In an exhilarating display of skill and determination, Luca Shaw of Monster Energy claimed second place in the Elite Men division at the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup held in Lake Placid, New York, on October 5, 2025. This race marked the ninth round of the season, attracting the world’s top competitors to the picturesque Whiteface Mountain venue.
Intense Competition at Whiteface Mountain
The event, which took place from October 3 to 5, brought together elite riders after eight rounds across Europe. Shaw, a 28-year-old from Hendersonville, North Carolina, delivered a thrilling performance as the final rider to drop in, navigating the newly constructed track that featured challenging gaps, steep inclines, and technical sections surrounded by vibrant fall foliage.
The atmosphere was electric as spectators gathered to witness one of the season’s most closely contested races. Shaw’s time of 3:06.659 placed him just 0.713 seconds behind the race winner. His run showcased not only speed but also resilience, especially after starting the final stretch in fourth place.
“I was riding well all weekend, and after my P1 in qualifying, I tried to carry that into the finals as much as I could,” said Shaw. “My goal was to win, but I’m damn stoked to get second here, and the fans definitely lifted me up this weekend!”
Impact on Season Rankings
Shaw’s impressive finish has propelled him into third place in the overall rankings of the 2025 UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, amassing a total of 1156 points. This advancement positions him favorably as the season approaches its conclusion, with only one race remaining.
In the Elite Women division, Camille Balanche from Le Locle, Switzerland, secured fourth place with a time of 3:34.140. This performance allowed her to climb to fourth in the overall rankings with a total of 1136 points. Additionally, Marine Cabirou, a 28-year-old from Millau, France, finished fifth in Lake Placid, which places her sixth overall with 1030 points.
With the season nearing its end, the final showdown will take place at Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, from October 9 to 12. The anticipation is building as riders prepare for what could be a decisive race in the quest for championship points.
For updates on Luca Shaw, Camille Balanche, Marine Cabirou, and the rest of the Monster Energy team, visit www.monsterenergy.com. Follow Monster Energy on various social media platforms for the latest news from the 2025 mountain bike season.
With a strong showing in Lake Placid, Shaw and his fellow competitors are set to make the final race an unforgettable conclusion to the season.